Industrial hanger with rotational restraint

ABSTRACT

An industrial hanger assembly for attaching to a truss. The truss includes a first angle iron and a second angle iron. The first angle iron has an upper surface and an inner surface. The second angle iron has an upper surface and an inner surface. The truss has a gap between the inner surface of the first angle iron and the inner surface of the second angle iron. The hanger assembly includes a first member. At least a portion of the first member is operable to fit within the gap between the inner surface of the first angle iron and the inner surface of the second angle iron. The first member is operable to contact the upper surface of at least one of the first angle iron or the second angle iron. The hanger assembly includes a second member. At least a portion of the second member is operable to fit within the gap between the inner surface of the first angle iron and the inner surface of the second angle iron. The second member is operable to restrict rotation of the first member with respect to the truss to less than  90  degrees of rotation by contacting at least the inner surface of the first angle iron.

This patent application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.patent application No. 10/641,603 entitled “Industrial Hanger” filed onAug. 15, 2003.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to industrial hangers that includerotational restraints.

2. BACKGROUND

Many industrial buildings, such as warehouses, utilize trusses tosupport the roof of the buildings. The trusses are also utilized tosupport electrical lights, electrical conduits, and pipes of varioussizes. Some of these trusses include two angle irons. As shown in FIG.1, these angle irons each typically include two upper surfaces, a lowersurface, an inner surface, and two outer surfaces. The inner surfaces ofthe two angle irons are attached to the webbing of the truss. As aresult, along the inner surfaces of the two angle irons a number of gapsare formed.

One prior art industrial hanger assembly is shown in FIG. 1. As shown inFIG. 1, the prior art hanger 110 is clamped to a lower surface of anangle iron of a truss by a bolt 120. The prior art hanger 110 alsosupports an all-thread rod 130. The height of the all-thread rod 130 isadjusted by setting the position of a nut 140 with respect to theall-thread rod 130. Items such as conduit hangers are then attached tothe all-thread rod 130.

One disadvantage of the above industrial hanger assembly is that theindustrial hanger cannot be readily installed from the floor of anindustrial building. Instead, the installer typically elevates himself,via a lift or a ladder, to the height of the truss so that he canmanipulate the bolt 120 and install the prior art hanger. Sometimesobstructions, such as large electrical equipment, do not permit aninstaller to be readily elevated so that he can install the prior arthanger 110. In addition, hanger installation time would be reduced andsafety would be enhanced if the installer could install an industrialhanger from the floor of an industrial building. Thus, a need exists foran industrial hanger that can be readily installed from the floor of anindustrial building.

3. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the invention is an industrial hanger assembly forattaching to a truss. The truss includes a first angle iron and a secondangle iron. The first angle iron has an upper surface and an innersurface. The second angle iron has an upper surface and an innersurface. The truss has a gap between the inner surface of the firstangle iron and the inner surface of the second angle iron. The hangerassembly includes a first member. At least a portion of the first memberis operable to fit within the gap between the inner surface of the firstangle iron and the inner surface of the second angle iron. The firstmember is operable to contact the upper surface of at least one of thefirst angle iron or the second angle iron. The hanger assembly includesa second member. At least a portion of the second member is operable tofit within the gap between the inner surface of the first angle iron andthe inner surface of the second angle iron. The second member isoperable to restrict rotation of the first member with respect to thetruss to less than 90° degrees of rotation by contacting at least theinner surface of the first angle iron.

4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 presents a prior art industrial hanger assembly.

FIG. 2 presents an industrial hanger assembly.

FIG. 3 presents an exploded view of the industrial hanger assembly ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 4 presents a detailed view of a T-bar assembly.

FIG. 5 presents a method of installing a hanger assembly onto a truss.

FIG. 6 presents another hanger assembly.

FIG. 7 presents another T-bar assembly.

FIG. 8 presents another method of installing a hanger assembly onto atruss.

FIG. 9 presents another industrial hanger assembly.

FIG. 10 presents a more detailed drawing of a portion of the industrialhanger assembly of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 presents a top view of a portion of the industrial hangerassembly of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 presents an isometric view of a T-bar assembly that includes afixed T-bar rotational restraint.

FIG. 13 presents a method of installing a hanger assembly, whichincludes a sliding T-bar rotational restraint, onto a truss.

FIG. 14 presents a method of installing a hanger assembly, whichincludes a fixed T-bar rotational restraint, onto a truss.

5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is presented to enable any person skilled inthe art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context ofa particular application and its requirements. Various modifications tothe disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled inthe art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied toother embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is notintended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accordedthe widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosedherein.

5.1 One Embodiment of an Industrial Hanger Assembly

One embodiment of the invention is the industrial hanger assembly shownin FIG. 2. An exploded view of this industrial hanger assembly is shownin FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the industrial hanger assembly includes aT-bar assembly 210. A more detailed drawing of the T-bar assembly 210 isshown in FIG. 4.

As shown in FIG. 4, one embodiment of the T-bar assembly includes aT-bar 410. In some embodiments of the invention, the T-bar 410 containstwo tabs 413 and 416. The two tabs 413 and 416 are typically configuredso that they can engage the outer vertical surfaces of the lower angleirons of a truss. As a result, the two tabs 413 and 416 can rotationallyrestrain the T-bar assembly with respect to a truss, such as the trussshown in FIG. 2. The thickness of the T-bar 410 is typically configuredso that the T-bar 410 can fit between the inner vertical surfaces of thelower angle irons in a truss. The T-bar 410 can be formed from a numberof materials. For example, the T-bar 410 could be formed from steel,aluminum, nylon, or plastic.

The T-bar assembly shown in FIG. 4 also includes a threaded rod 420. Insome embodiments of the invention, the threaded rod 420 is a low carbonsteel all-thread rod. In some embodiments of the invention, the threadedrod 420 includes an ANSI thread while in other embodiments of theinvention the threaded rod 420 includes a metric thread. The threadedrod 420 is configured so that it can fit between the inner verticalsurfaces of the lower angle irons in a truss. Like the T-bar 410, thethreaded rod 420 can be formed from a number of materials such as steel,aluminum, nylon, or plastic.

As shown in FIG. 4, the threaded rod 420 is attached to the T-bar 410.For example, if the T-bar 410 is formed from a steel plate and containsa cutout and the threaded rod 420 is formed from steel, then they couldbe. attached by welds (not shown). Alternatively, if the threaded rod420 is slotted to accept a portion of the T-bar 410, the T-bar 410 andthe threaded rod 420 could be attached by a fastener, such as a bolt,screw or pin (not shown). If the T-bar 410 and the threaded rod 420 areboth formed from plastic, then they could be molded as a single part.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the industrial hanger assembly includes aT-bar coupling 220. The top portion of the T-bar coupling 220 contains athread that engages the thread on the T-bar assembly 210. Thus, byrotating the T-bar coupling 220 with respect to the T-bar assembly 210,the distance between the two parts can be easily increased or decreased.The outer diameter of the top portion of the T-bar coupling 220 istypically of sufficient size so that it will not fit between the innervertical surfaces of the lower angle irons in a truss. For example, theouter diameter of the top portion of the T-bar coupling 220 may be 1inch. The lower portion of the T-bar coupling 220 is adapted tointerface with conventional items that are typically hung from trusses.The lower portion of the T-bar coupling 220 may interface with pipes,electrical junction boxes, lighting fixtures, conduit hangers, etc. Asan example, the lower portion of the T-bar coupling 220 shown in FIG. 2includes pipe threads that can interface with a pipe.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the industrial hanger assembly also includesconventional pipes 230, 250, and 270, conventional electrical junctionboxes 240 and 260, and a lighting fixture 280.

5.2 A Method of Installing an Industrial Hanger Assembly

There are several methods of attaching the industrial hanger assemblyshown in FIG. 3 to a truss. One method of attaching the industrialhanger assembly is presented in FIG. 5. First, as shown in Block 510,the lighting fixture 380 is conventionally attached to a first pipe 370.Next, as shown in Block 520 the first pipe 370 is then conventionallyattached to a first electrical junction box 360. Then, as shown in Block530, the first electrical junction box 360 is conventionally attached toa second pipe 350. As shown in Block 540, the second pipe 350 is thenconventionally attached to a second electrical junction box 340. Next,as shown in Block 550, the second electrical junction box 340 isconventionally attached to a third pipe 330. Then, as shown in Block560, the third pipe 330 is connected to a T-bar coupling 320 by engagingthe pipe thread on the lower portion of the T-bar coupling 320 with thepipe thread on the upper portion of the third pipe 330 and then rotatingthe T-bar coupling 320 with respect to the third pipe 330. Next, asshown in Block 570, the thread of the T-bar assembly 310 is connected tothe T-bar coupling 320 by engaging the threads of the two parts and byrotating the T-bar assembly 310 with respect to the T-bar coupling 320.After a few rotations of the T-bar assembly 310, the T-bar assembly 310will be attached to the T-bar coupling 320. However, the verticaldistance between the top surface of the T-bar coupling 320, and the tabsof the T-bar assembly 310 will be greater than the height of the angleirons in the lower portion of the truss.

Next, as shown in Block 580, the industrial hanger assembly ispositioned so that at least a portion of the T-bar assembly 310 slidesbetween the two angle irons in the lower portion of the truss. Then, asshown in Block 590, the T-bar assembly 310 is rotated approximately 90degrees, which can be accomplished by rotating the lighting fixture 380by 90 degrees. Next, as also shown in Block 590, the industrial hangerassembly is lowered so that the T-bar of the T-bar assembly 310 engagesthe top surfaces of the angle irons in the lower portion of the truss.Then, as shown in Block 595, the lighting fixture 380 is rotated. Thisrotation causes the T-bar assembly 310 to rotate until at least one ofthe tabs of the T-bar assembly 310 engages the outer surfaces of atleast one of the lower angle irons in the lower portion of the truss. Asthe lighting fixture 380 is continually rotated, the T-bar coupling 320will increase in height until the upper surface of the T-bar coupling320 engages the lower surface of at least one of the angle irons thatform the lower portion of the truss. At this time, the industrial hangerassembly is securely attached to the truss.

As is evident in the above description, an installer can safely installthe industrial hanger assembly shown in FIG. 3 without having to beelevated to the height of the truss.

5.3 A Second Embodiment of an Industrial Hanger Assembly

A second embodiment of an industrial hanger assembly is shown in FIG. 6.This industrial hanger assembly includes a T-bar assembly 610. A moredetailed drawing of T-bar assembly 610 is shown in FIG. 7.

As shown in FIG. 7, one embodiment of the T-bar assembly includes aT-bar 710. In some embodiments of the invention, the T-bar 710 includestwo tabs, 713 and 716. The two tabs 713 and 716 are typically configuredso that they can engage the outer vertical surfaces of the lower angleirons of a truss. As a result, the two tabs 713 and 716 can rotationallyrestrain the T-bar with respect to a truss, such as the truss shown inFIG. 6. The thickness of the T-bar 710 is typically configured so thatthe T-bar 710 can fit between the inner vertical surfaces of the lowerangle irons in a truss. The T-bar 710 shown in FIG. 7 contains a threadthat is intended to interface with an all-thread rod 720. This threadcan be ANSI or metric or any other suitable thread. The T-bar 710 can beformed from a number of materials. For example, the T-bar 710 could beformed from steel, aluminum, nylon, or plastic.

The T-bar assembly shown in FIG. 7 also includes a threaded rod 720. Insome embodiments of the invention, the threaded rod 720 is a low carbonsteel all-thread rod. In some embodiments of the invention, the threadedrod 720 includes an ANSI thread while in other embodiments of theinvention the threaded rod 720 includes a metric thread. The threadedrod 720 is configured so that it can fit between the inner verticalsurfaces of the lower angle irons in a truss. Like the T-bar 710, thethreaded rod 720 can be formed from a number of materials such as steel,aluminum, nylon, or plastic.

As shown in FIG. 7, the all-thread rod 720 can be attached to the T-bar710 by engaging the threads of the two parts and by rotating the T-bar710 with respect to the all-thread rod 720.

The T-bar assembly shown in FIG. 7 also includes two nuts 730 and 740and a washer 750. The two nuts 730 and 740 may be utilized to set thelowermost position of the washer 750, which in some embodiments of theinvention is a lock-washer, with respect to the all-thread rod 720.Other embodiments of the T-bar assembly can utilize a single nut that isrestrained from rotating with respect to the all-thread rod, such as bya weld or by lock-tight. Still other embodiments of the T-bar assemblysecure the lowermost position of the washer 750 by welding the washer tothe all-thread rod. The washer 750 is typically of sufficient size sothat it will not fit between the inner vertical surfaces of the lowerangle irons in a truss.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the T-bar assembly 610 is attached to a pipehanger 620. The pipe hanger 620 can be attached to the T-bar assembly610 by using conventional methods such as nuts, as shown in FIG. 6.

5.4 A Second Method of Installing an Industrial Hanger Assembly

There are several methods of attaching the industrial hanger assemblyshown in FIG. 6 to a truss. One method of attaching the industrialhanger assembly is presented in FIG. 8. First, as shown in Block 810,the pipe hanger 620 is attached to the T-bar assembly 610. For example,two nuts could be utilized to attach the pipe hanger 620 to the T-barassembly 610. Next, as shown in Block 820, the industrial hangerassembly is positioned so that at least a portion of the T-bar assembly610 slides between the two angle irons in the lower portion of thetruss. Then, as shown in Block 830, the T-bar of the T-bar assembly 610is rotated approximately 90 degrees, which can be accomplished byrotating the pipe hanger 620 by 90 degrees. Next as is shown in Block840, the industrial hanger assembly is lowered so that the T-bar of theT-bar assembly 610 engages the top surfaces of the angle irons in thelower portion of the truss. Then, as shown in Block 850, the pipe hanger620 is rotated. This rotation causes the T-bar of the T-bar assembly 610to rotate until at least one of the tabs of the T-bar assembly 610engages the outer surfaces of at least one of the lower angle irons inthe lower portion of the truss. As the pipe hanger 620 is continuallyrotated, the all-thread rod of the T-bar assembly 610 will continue torotate but the T-bar of the T-bar assembly 610 will not rotate becauseone or more tabs of the T-bar assembly 610 are in contact with thetruss. Thus, the all-thread rod will increase in height until the washerof the T-bar assembly 610 contacts the lower surface of at least oneangle iron of the truss. At this time, the industrial hanger assembly issecurely attached to the truss.

As is evident in the above description, an installer can safely installthe hanger assembly shown in FIG. 6 without having to be elevated to theheight of the truss.

5.5 A Third Embodiment of the Industrial Hanger Assembly

A third embodiment of the invention is the industrial hanger assembly900 shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, the industrial hanger assembly900 includes a T-bar assembly. The T-bar assembly includes a T-bar 910and a threaded rod 920. The industrial hanger assembly 900 also includesa T-bar coupler 930 and a T-bar rotational restraint 940. A moredetailed drawing of a portion of industrial hanger assembly 900 is shownin FIG. 10.

As shown in FIG. 10, the T-bar 1010 contains two tabs 1013 and 1016. Asshown in FIG. 10, the two tabs 1013 and 1016 can be configured so thatthey engage the upper surfaces of the upper angle irons of a truss.

In other embodiments of the invention, the two tabs can be configured sothat they can engage the outer surfaces 1045 and 1047 of the upper angleirons of a truss. In such embodiments, at least a portion of the innersurfaces of the tabs would be separated by a distance that is greaterthan the distance between the outer surfaces 1045 and 1047 of the upperangle irons of a truss. In such embodiments, the tabs 1013 and 1016could be utilized to rotationally restrain the T-bar assembly withrespect to a truss.

The thickness of T-bar 1010 is typically configured so that T-bar 1010can fit between the inner vertical surfaces of the upper or lower angleirons in a truss. T-bar 1010 can be formed from a number of materials.For example, T-bar 1010 could be formed from steel, aluminum, nylon, orplastic.

The industrial hanger assembly shown in FIG. 10 also includes a threadedrod 1020. In some embodiments of the invention, the threaded rod is alow carbon steel all-thread rod. In some embodiments of the invention,the threaded rod includes an ANSI thread while in other embodiments ofthe invention the threaded rod includes a metric thread. Threaded rod1020 is configured so that it can fit between the inner verticalsurfaces of the upper or lower angle irons in a truss. Like the T-bar1010, the threaded rod 1020 can be formed from a number of materialssuch as steel, aluminum, nylon, or plastic.

As shown in FIG. 10, the threaded rod 1020 is attached to the T-bar1010. For example, if the T-bar 1010 is formed from a steel plate andcontains a cutout and the threaded rod 1020 is formed from steel, thenthey could be attached by welds (not shown). Alternatively, if thethreaded rod 1020 is slotted to accept a portion of the T-bar 1010, theT-bar 1010 and the threaded rod 1020 could be attached by a fastener,such as a bolt, screw or pin (not shown). If the T-bar 1010 and thethreaded rod 1020 are both formed from plastic, then they could bemolded as a single part. Similarly, the T-bar 1010 and threaded rod 1020could be molded from steel in an investment mold.

Referring again to FIG. 9, the industrial hanger assembly includes aT-bar coupling 930. The top portion of the T-bar coupling 930 contains athread that engages the thread on the threaded rod 920. Thus, byrotating the T-bar coupling 930 with respect to the threaded rod 920,the distance between the T-bar 910 and the coupler 930 can be easilyincreased or decreased. The outer diameter of the top portion of theT-bar coupling 930 is typically of sufficient size so that it will notfit between the inner vertical surfaces of the upper or lower angleirons in a truss. For example, the outer diameter of the top portion ofthe T-bar coupling 930 may be 1 inch. The lower portion of the T-barcoupling 930 is adapted to interface with conventional items that aretypically hung from trusses. The lower portion of the T-bar coupling 930may interface with pipes, electrical junction boxes, lighting fixtures,conduit hangers, etc. Thus, the lower portion of the T-bar coupling 930could include pipe threads that can interface with a pipe.

Other embodiments of the invention do not utilize a T-bar coupler. Suchembodiments of the invention could utilize one or more nuts and one ormore washers in lieu of a T-bar coupler.

As shown in FIG. 10, the industrial hanger assembly includes a T-barrotational restraint 1040. T-bar rotational restraint 1040 includes twoslots that receive a portion of T-bar 1010. T-bar rotational restraint1040 also includes four walls that can fit between the inner verticalsurfaces of the upper or lower angle irons in a truss. T-bar rotationalrestraint 1040 is configured so that it cannot freely rotate within theinner vertical surfaces of the upper or lower angle irons in a truss.

A top view of the industrial hanger assembly of FIG. 10 is shown in FIG.11. As shown in FIG. 11, at least a portion of the T-bar rotationalrestraint 1 140 fits between the inner vertical surfaces 1150 and 1160of the upper angle irons in a truss. When the T-bar assembly is rotatedwith respect to the truss, the outer corners of the T-bar rotationalrestraint 1140 contact the inner vertical surfaces 1150 and 1160 of theangle irons. Thus, only a limited amount of rotation of the T-barassembly with respect to the truss is allowed. In some embodiments ofthe invention, a rotational restraint restricts rotation of the T-barassembly to less than 90 degrees. In other embodiments of the inventionthe rotation is restricted to 180, 135, 100, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20,10, or 5 degrees.

Referring again to FIG. 11, it is evident that if the T-bar rotationalrestraint 1140 is rotated approximately 45 degrees with respect to thetruss, then the T-bar rotational restraint 1140 would not pass betweenthe inner vertical surfaces of the upper or lower angle irons.

Referring again to FIG. 10, in some embodiments of the invention, therotation of the T-bar assembly is limited so that the tabs 1013 and 1016of T-bar 1010 remain in contact with the upper surfaces of the upperangle irons of a truss. In other embodiments of the invention, such asembodiments of the invention in which the T-bar does not include tabs,the rotation is limited so that the bottom edge of the outer surfaces ofthe T-bar remains in contact with the upper surfaces of the upper angleirons of a truss.

In some embodiments of the invention, the T-bar rotational restraint isfixed with respect to the T-bar assembly. For example, the rotationalrestraint 1040 can be welded to the T-bar 1010 and/or the threaded rod1020. A T-bar rotational restraint that is fixed with respect to theT-bar assembly will be referred to as a “fixed T-bar rotationalrestraint.”

In other embodiments of the invention, the rotational restraint canslide along the threaded rod. A T-bar rotational restraint that canslide along the threaded rod will be referred to as a “sliding T-barrotational restraint.” In embodiments of the invention that include asliding T-bar rotational restraint, the sliding T-bar rotationalrestraint can be clamped between a T-bar and a T-bar coupler (or a nut).For example, when T-bar coupler 930 is rotated with respect to T-bar 910so that the distance between T-bar 910 and T-bar coupler 930 (or a nut)is decreased, then T-bar coupler 930 (or a nut) can raise a slidingT-bar rotational restraint until the sliding T-bar rotational restraintis clamped between T-bar 910 and T-bar coupler 930 (or a nut).

In some embodiments of the invention, the sliding T-bar rotationalrestraint can be configured so that, when clamped between a T-bar and aT-bar coupling (or a nut), the bottom surface of the sliding T-barrotational restraint is approximately the same height as the bottomsurface of the upper or lower angle irons of a truss. In suchembodiments, the T-bar coupler (or a nut) can be utilized to secure boththe sliding T-bar rotational restraint and the upper or lower angleirons of a truss to a T-bar assembly.

In still other embodiments of the invention, the T-bar coupling (or anut) can be rotated so that it translates the sliding T-bar rotationalrestraint. This translation may cause one or more slots in the slidingT-bar rotational restraint to engage a portion of the T-bar. In someembodiments of the invention, the slots of the sliding T-bar rotationalrestraint are of sufficient depth so that the slots engage the T-bar butthe sliding T-bar rotational restraint is not clamped between the T-barand the T-bar coupler (or a nut).

In still other embodiments of the invention, the slots in a slidingT-bar rotational restraint are configured to engage a T-bar and also toclamp a sliding T-bar rotational restraint between the T-bar coupler (ora nut) and the T-bar.

In other embodiments of the invention, a fixed rotational restraint canbe configured so that the bottom surface of the fixed rotationalrestraint does not contact a T-bar coupler when the T-bar couplersecures a T-bar assembly to a truss.

A T-bar rotational restraint can be formed from a number of materials,such as steel, aluminum, plastic or nylon. For example, a T-barrotational restraint can be formed from a flat-sided steel tube. Such atube can be cut at a 45-degree angle from the centerline of a flat-sidedtube to generate the top surface of T-bar rotational restraint 1040. Atube can also be cut perpendicular to the centerline of the tube togenerate the top surface of T-bar rotational restraint 1240, which isshown in FIG. 12.

T-bar rotational restraints can be formed from materials other thantubes. For example, rotational restraints could be formed from one ormore plates, one or more fasteners, or an investment casting.

While not shown in FIGS. 9 through 12, industrial hanger assembliescould also include conventional items such as pipes 230, 250, and 270,conventional electrical junction boxes 240 and 260, a lighting fixture280, or pipe holder 620.

5.6 Methods of Installing an Industrial Hanger

Assembly with a Sliding T-Bar Rotational Restraint

There are several methods of attaching an industrial hanger assemblythat includes a sliding T-bar rotational restraint to a truss. Onemethod of attaching such an industrial hanger assembly is presented inFIG. 13. First, as shown in Block 1310, a conventional device, such as apipe hanger or electrical junction box, is conventionally attached to apipe. Next, as shown in Block 1320, the pipe is then attached to a T-barcoupling by engaging the pipe thread on the lower portion of the T-barcoupling with the pipe thread on the upper portion of the pipe and thenrotating the T-bar coupling with respect to the pipe.

Next, as shown in Block 1330, a sliding T-bar rotational restraint isinserted over the threaded rod of a T-bar assembly. Then, as shown inBlock 1340, the T-bar assembly is connected to the T-bar coupling byengaging the threads of the two parts and by rotating the T-bar assemblywith respect to the T-bar coupling. After a few rotations of the T-barassembly, the T-bar assembly will be attached to the T-bar coupling andthe sliding T-bar rotational restraint will be allowed to rotate freelywith respect to the T-bar assembly. Further, the sliding T-barrotational restraint will be able to slide along the centerline of theT-bar assembly's threaded rod. At this point in the installationprocess, the vertical distance between the top surface of the T-barcoupling, and the tabs of the T-bar assembly (if present) will begreater than the height of the angle irons in the upper or lower portionof the truss.

Next, as shown in Block 1350, the industrial hanger assembly ispositioned so that at least a portion of the T-bar assembly slidesbetween the two angle irons in the upper or lower portion of the truss.Then, as shown in Block 1360, the T-bar assembly is rotated so that atleast a portion of the T-bar assembly is directly above the uppersurface of the angle irons. For example, this rotation can beaccomplished by rotating the above-mentioned pipe by approximately 90degrees. Next, as shown in Block 1370, the industrial hanger assembly islowered so that the T-bar of the T-bar assembly contacts the topsurfaces of the angle irons in the upper or lower portion of the truss.Then, as shown in Block 1380, the pipe is rotated. This rotation causesthe T-bar coupling to increase in height until the upper surface of theT-bar coupling engages the lower surface of at least one of the angleirons that form the upper or lower portion of the truss. The rotation ofthe T-bar coupling may also cause the sliding T-bar rotational restraintto increase in height until slots in the sliding T-bar rotationalrestraint either engage the T-bar and/or the sliding T-bar rotationalrestraint is clamped between the T-bar and the T-bar coupling. At thispoint in the installation process, the industrial hanger assembly issecurely attached to the truss because the T-bar assembly can no longerrotate so that the T-bar can fit between the inner vertical surfaces ofthe upper or lower angle irons of the truss.

As is evident in the above description, an installer can safely installthe industrial hanger assembly shown in FIG. 9 without having to beelevated to the height of the truss. In addition, with the use of auniversal joint inserted on the bottom end of the pipe or another devicethat can position and turn the pipe from the ground, an installer cansafely install the industrial hanger assembly shown in FIG. 9 from theground.

As is evident from the above description, one or more nuts and one ormore washers could be utilized in lieu of the T-bar coupler in the abovemethod.

5.7 Methods of Installing an Industrial Hanger

Assembly with a Fixed T-Bar Rotational Restraint

There are several methods of attaching an industrial hanger assemblythat includes a fixed T-bar rotational restraint, such as is shown inFIG. 12, to a truss. One method of attaching such an industrial hangerassembly is presented in FIG. 14. First, as shown in Block 1410, aconventional device, such as a pipe hanger or electrical junction box,is conventionally attached to a pipe. Next, as shown in Block 1420, thepipe is then attached to a T-bar coupling by engaging the pipe thread onthe lower portion of the T-bar coupling with the pipe thread on theupper portion of the pipe and then rotating the T-bar coupling withrespect to the pipe.

Next, as shown in Block 1430, the T-bar assembly is connected to theT-bar coupling by engaging the threads of the two parts and by rotatingthe T-bar assembly with respect to the T-bar coupling. After a fewrotations of the T-bar assembly, the T-bar assembly will be attached tothe T-bar coupling. At this point in the installation process, thevertical distance between the top surface of the T-bar coupling and thetabs of the T-bar assembly (if present) will be greater than the heightof the angle irons in the upper or lower portion of the truss.

Next, as shown in Block 1440, the industrial hanger assembly ispositioned so that at least a portion of the fixed T-bar rotationalrestraint slides between the two angle irons in the upper or lowerportion of the truss. Then, as shown in Block 1450, the T-bar assemblyis rotated approximately so that at least a portion of the T-bar isabove the upper surfaces of the angle irons. This rotation can beaccomplished by rotating the above-mentioned pipe by approximately 90degrees. Next, as shown in Block 1460, the industrial hanger assembly islowered so that the T-bar contacts the top surfaces of the angle ironsin the upper or lower portion of the truss. This lowering also places atleast a portion of the fixed T-bar rotational restraint between theinner vertical surfaces of the upper or lower angle irons of the truss.At this point the T-bar assembly is rotationally constrained withrespect to the truss.

Then, as shown in Block 1470, the pipe is rotated. This rotation causesthe T-bar coupling to increase in height until the upper surface of theT-bar coupling engages the lower surface of at least one of the angleirons that form the upper or lower portion of the truss. At this pointin the installation process, the industrial hanger assembly is securelyattached to the truss. In some embodiments of the invention, the T-barcoupling does not contact the lower surface of the fixed T-barrotational restraint. However, in other embodiments of the invention,the T-bar coupling contacts the lower surface of the fixed T-barrotational restraint when the T-bar coupling contacts the lower surfaceof an angle iron.

As is evident in the above description, an installer can safely installthe industrial hanger assembly without having to be elevated to theheight of the truss. In addition, with the use of a universal jointinserted on the bottom end of the pipe or another device that canposition and turn the pipe from the ground, an installer can safelyinstall the industrial hanger assembly from the ground.

As is evident from the above description, one or more nuts and one ormore washers could be utilized in lieu of the T-bar coupler in the abovemethod.

5.8 Conclusion

The foregoing descriptions of embodiments of the present invention havebeen presented for purposes of illustration and description only. Theyare not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention tothe forms disclosed. For example, some of the above-described T-barrotational restraints utilize slots to rotationally restrain T-barassemblies. However, other items, such as fasteners, tapers, indentions,notches, holes and even adhesives could be utilized to rotationallyrestrain a T-bar rotational restraint with respect to a T-bar assembly.Accordingly, many modifications and variations will be apparent topractitioners skilled in the art.

As another example, the above-described T-bar assemblies include athreaded rod with threads along the entire length of the rod. However,such threads need not be along the entire length of the rod. Inaddition, other T-bar assemblies could utilize tubes instead of rods.Further, some embodiments of the invention need not utilize threads atall.

As still another example, the above-described T-bar coupling includes aninternal pipe thread for coupling to a pipe. However, other embodimentsof the invention may utilize external threads to couple directly to anelectrical junction box, or a light fixture.

Additionally, the above disclosure is not intended to limit the presentinvention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appendedclaims.

1. A hanger assembly for attaching to a truss, the truss having a firstangle iron and a second angle iron, the first angle iron having an uppersurface, and an inner surface, the second angle iron having an uppersurface, and an inner surface, the truss having a gap between the innersurface of the first angle iron and the inner surface of the secondangle iron, the hanger assembly comprising: a) a first member, at leasta portion of which is operable to fit within the gap between the innersurface of the first angle iron and the inner surface of the secondangle iron, the first member operable to contact the upper surface of atleast one of the first angle iron or the second angle iron; and b) asecond member, at least a portion of which is operable to fit within thegap between the inner surface of the first angle iron and the innersurface of the second angle iron, the second member operable to restrictrotation of the first member with respect to the truss to less than 90degrees of rotation by contacting at least the inner surface of thefirst angle iron.
 2. The hanger assembly of claim 1, wherein the secondmember is fixed to the first member.
 3. The hanger assembly of claim 1,wherein the second member restricts rotation of the first member withrespect to the truss by contacting the inner surface of the first angleiron and the inner surface of the second angle iron.
 4. The hangerassembly of claim 1, wherein the second member includes a tube.
 5. Thehanger assembly of claim 1, wherein the first member includes a threadedrod and the second member can slide along the centerline of the threadedrod.
 6. The hanger assembly of claim 1, wherein the first memberincludes a threaded rod and the second member includes a tube that canslide along the centerline of the threaded rod.
 7. The hanger assemblyof claim 1, wherein the second member includes a tube that is fixed tothe first member.
 8. The hanger assembly of claim 1, wherein the secondmember includes a slot for receiving at least a portion of the firstmember.
 9. The hanger assembly of claim 8, wherein the first memberincludes a threaded rod, the hanger assembly further comprises acoupler, the coupler operable to translate the second member withrespect to the first member so that the slot receives at least a portionof the first member.
 10. The hanger assembly of claim 1, wherein thesecond member includes two slots for receiving at least a first portionand a second portion of the first member.
 11. The hanger assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the first member includes a threaded rod, the hangerassembly further comprises a coupler, the coupler operable to clamp thesecond member between the first member and the coupler.
 12. The hangerassembly of claim 1, wherein the first member includes a threaded rod,the hanger assembly further comprises a coupler, the coupler operable toclamp the second member between the first member and the coupler, thecoupler also operable to secure the hangar assembly to the truss. 13.The hanger assembly of claim 1, wherein the first member includes athreaded rod, the hanger assembly further comprises a coupler, thecoupler including a first thread for engaging the threaded rod and asecond thread for engaging a pipe.
 14. The hanger assembly of claim 1,wherein at least a portion of the second member is formed from aflat-sided steel tube.
 15. The hanger assembly of claim 1, wherein atleast a portion of the second member is formed from a plate.
 16. Thehanger assembly of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the secondmember is formed from a fastener.
 17. The hanger assembly of claim 1,wherein the first member includes a threaded rod, the hanger assemblyfurther comprises a coupler, the coupler being operable to support atleast one of an electrical junction box, a light fixture, and a pipehanger.
 18. The hanger assembly of claim 1, wherein the first memberincludes a threaded rod, the hanger assembly further comprises acoupler, the coupler being operable to secure the first member to thetruss without contacting the second member.
 19. A method of installing ahanger assembly on a truss, the truss having a first angle iron and asecond angle iron, the first angle iron having an inner surface and anupper surface, the second angle iron having an inner surface and anupper surface, the truss having a gap between the inner surface of thefirst angle iron and the inner surface of the second angle iron, themethod comprising a) inserting at least a portion of the hanger assemblyin the gap between the inner surface of the first angle iron and theinner surface of the second angle iron; b) rotating at least a portionof the hanger assembly so that at least a portion of the hanger assemblyis over the upper surface of the first angle iron; and c) restrainingthe rotation of the hanger assembly with respect to the truss by causingat least a portion of the hanger assembly to contact the inner surfaceof the first angle iron.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the hangerassembly includes a rod and a rotational restraint, the method furtherincludes inserting the rotational restraint over the rod.
 21. The methodof claim 19, wherein the hanger assembly includes a threaded rod, acoupler that includes a thread that engages the threaded rod, and arotational restraint, the method further includes rotating the couplerwith respect to the threaded rod, the rotating causing the coupler totranslate.
 22. The method of claim 19, wherein the hanger assemblyincludes a threaded rod, a coupler that includes a thread that engagesthe threaded rod, and a rotational restraint, the method furtherincludes rotating the coupler with respect to the threaded rod, therotating causing the coupler and the rotational restraint to translate.23. The method of claim 19, wherein the hanger assembly includes amember, a threaded rod, a coupler that includes a thread that engagesthe threaded rod, and a rotational restraint, the method furtherincludes rotating the coupler with respect to the threaded rod, therotating causing the rotational restraint to be clamped between themember and the coupler.
 24. The method of claim 19, wherein the hangerassembly includes a member, a threaded rod, a coupler that includes athread that engages the threaded rod, and a rotational restraint, themethod further includes rotating the coupler with respect to thethreaded rod, the rotating causing the rotational restraint to beclamped between the member and the coupler, the rotating also causingthe first angle iron to be clamped between the member and the coupler.25. The method of claim 19, wherein the hanger assembly includes amember, a threaded rod, a coupler that includes a thread that engagesthe threaded rod, and a rotational restraint that includes a slot, themethod further includes rotating the coupler with respect to thethreaded rod, the rotating causing the rotational restraint to translateso that the slot engages at least a portion of the member.
 26. Themethod of claim 19, wherein the hanger assembly includes a member, athreaded rod, and a coupler that includes a thread that engages thethreaded rod, the method further includes rotating the coupler withrespect to the threaded rod, the rotating causing the coupler totranslate until the first angle iron is clamped between the member andthe coupler.